It was a blustery spring morning, not unlike most mornings in April in Oklahoma.
Several stalls were set up next to the courthouse in Chandler, with a decent crowd of people moving from one to the other. They had everything from farmfresh beef to vegetables, eggs, even coffee and lotions.
Stall owners waved at each other and explained their products to curious customers. In the middle of the street, a table was set up with paper, crayons and other things to keep kiddos entertainedwhileMomand Dad shopped. It was the first farmers market of the season for the town, and main organizer Stephen Fuhrman appeared happy from his stall.
“I have 22 vendors signed up and only one has decided they’re not going to set up Saturday because she sells lemonade and she thinks it’s going to be too cold to sell lemonade,” he said in an interview a few days prior. “The most vendors we’ve ever had out there up until now is 16. This is amazing.”
More vendors means more options. Fuhrman said they now have more produce vendors, plus those offering beef, pork and chicken. They join vendors selling baked goods. The market will run every Saturday through October, with the last being on Halloween. He said he’s fortunate to work with such a tight-knit group that is there to help both each other and customers.
Area farmers markets have been blossoming in Lincoln County. Chandler isn’t the only one who’s seeing more vendors and people coming out. Kirsten Christoffel, who works with the Stroud Pavilion Farmers Market, said they usually get anywhere from 20 to 45 vendors.
The market started in August 2025. Christoffel said she reached out to City Manager Bob Pearman and the City of Stroud when she wondered why Stroud didn’t have one. She wanted a place to sell her baked goods without having to drive to another city. This is their second season, though things are more organized with an application and assigned spots under the Stroud Main Street Pavilion.
The market is strictly for farm-produced products such as farmstand-style baked goods, vegetables, fruits, bulk beef/pork/ chicken, sourdough goods and more. They plan to open on May 2 and will run every other Saturday from 4 p.m. to dark until mid-November, depending on weather. Vendors offer a variety of payment options, including cash, card and payment apps.
“I think this year will be even better than last year because visitors can expect to see more farmfresh vegetables, and I’m hoping to once more offer the option for vendors and visitors alike to order Stroud Pavilion Farmers Market t-shirts, and maybe even hats,” she said.
She said what makes the market unique is that they only offer consumables and don’t charge a booth fee, so that folks have the option to sell their goods or barter. It’s alsoagreatwaytohelpbuild community. People can buy from local farmers, bakers, canners and foragers who know their names.They can also make friends and know they’re getting products that are grown with care.
The Wellston Farmers Market may be smaller in comparison; however, they are mighty, according to market manager LaShelle Stanley.
“We show up, we don’t give up, and we work hard tomakesureourcommunity has access to fresh, healthy food,” she said. “We accept SNAP,SeniorSNAP,DUO, and we proudly participate in the free summer meals program for children ages 1–18, because every family deserves nourishment and support.”
She said they have 17 vendors this year and are always looking for more. Stalls include growers, bakers, value-added producers and local makers. They’re open on the first and third Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Glasco-Legako American Legion Post 61.The biggest change is that they’re opening a month early this year.
They also offer food trucks -- mostly local as well as inviting small businesses. Stanley said this helps create a space where people can gather, explore and support the local economy. “Every visit helps strengthen the heart of our town. What matters to me is creating a market that feels welcoming and family‑friendly— a place where people can find resources, meet their neighbors, and feel connected,” she said.
The Carney Farmers Market is about getting everyone -- including kids involved.This year, they’ve expanded their dedicated youth entrepreneur section.
“Theseyoungvendorsare responsible for their own setups, selling their items, andlearninghowtomanage their own small businesses. They have incredible ideas and creativity, and it’s amazing to watch them grow in confidence,” said Stasha King, one of the market organizers.
They started with an egg hunt this season, and plan to have a strawberry-themed market with other fun ideas to follow. King said they are also hoping to keep the market going yearround.
TheCarneyFarmersMarket is every third Friday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woody Wilson Park on Main Street. They also host a raffle at 8 p.m. with items donated by vendors and the proceeds go back into supporting the farmers market, activities and the park.
“And honestly, there’s nothing better than seeing your community show up, support one another, and enjoy a beautiful evening together,” King said.
For the Broadway Garage’s Farmers Market in Prague,they’veseengrowth in vendors and variety. Lora Schiltz, one of the organizers, said compared to last year, they’ve had substantial growth with more items, vendors and opportunities for shoppers to find fresh, high-quality locally made products. They’ve also moved into an indoor space, which makes for a more consistent and welcoming environment regardless of the weather.
“For us, the market is about building a community, a place to connect, gather, andeducatewhileproviding better choices for our health and environment. Our goal is to develop an accessible, vibrant, community-driven marketplace,” Schiltz said.